Question

A force vector points due east and has a magnitude of 150 newtons. A second force is added to . The resultant of the two vectors has a magnitude of 390 newtons and points along the (a) east/ (b) west line. Find the magnitude and direction of . Note that there are two answers.

Answer 1

a. 240 N due east

b. 540 N due west

Step-by-step explanation:

Let east be the reference direction

(a) if the resultant force has a magnitude of 390 N and points east, and the 1st force is 150N due East, then the additional force would also due east and has a magnitude of

390 - 150 = 240 N

(b) if the resultant force has a magnitude of 390 N and points west, it would be -390N is eastern reference, and the 1st force is 150N due East, then the additional force would also due east and has a magnitude of

-390 - 150 = -540 N

This force would point west